JCJC Launches Capital Fundraising Campaign

ELLISVILLE – Employees of Jones County Junior College enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship Friday as they celebrated the kick-off of the institution’s second major gifts campaign. The first phase of the “Inspiring Greatness, It Begins with Us” campaign involved faculty, staff, administration and board members. Through internal support, the stage has been set for a successful campaign.

Rocking out to Sister Sledge’s classic hit “We Are Family,” the employees gathered in the A. B. Howard Bobcat Gymnasium for a barbeque luncheon and employee recognition sponsored by Community Bank.

Following the recognitions, a special appearance by Elvis (a.k.a. assistant football coach Brad Griffin) led into the portion of the program where Caroline Ramagos, vice president for advancement, announced that the employee contributions to the major gifts campaign totaled nearly $283,000 with more than 99 percent participation to date.

“Our employees really stepped up to the plate to show their support and dedication to JCJC,” Ramagos said. “Because of (the employees’) generous donations, a solid foundation has been laid for a great major gifts campaign.”

With four main investment goals, the JCJC Foundation, Inc. hopes to raise $7.5 million in donations and pledges payable over the next five years. Investment objectives and monetary goals are: Jones Hall and Centennial Plaza, $2 million; Science and Engineering Center, $1.5 million; Inspired Learning for 21st Century Classrooms, $1 million; and Scholarship Endowments, $3 million.

Spearheading the internal campaign as Employee Campaign Co-Chairs were Dr. Samuel Jones, dean of students; Cheryl Windham, chairperson of the humanities division; and Sandy Cochran, chairperson of the health and human services division.

“The aim of (receiving) an education at Jones is not just the knowledge of facts, but of values,” explained Jones. “I am proud to be a part of this endeavor.”

For Cochran, a JCJC graduate, the decision to contribute to the campaign was both personal and professional.

“I am grateful for what Jones has helped me to accomplish and I want to be a part of what Jones is doing to assist students,” he explained. “I cannot even place a number on the scholarships our radiography students have been awarded through the Foundation. I do know that we have had a lot.”

Windham, also a JCJC alumnus, echoed many of Cochran’s sentiments.

“As a Jones County native, a product of Jones County Junior College myself, and having loved the school for many, many years, I am thrilled to see the college growing and progressing,” she said. “We are very proud of the fact that Jones employees have already contributed to the fundraising effort, showing that we believe in Jones and its mission and its dedication to helping students succeed in both their personal and professional lives.”

As the public phase of “Inspiring Greatness, It Begins with Us” begins, numerous alumni, businesses and friends of the college have already pledged more than $5 million towards the $7.5 million goal.

“It is a testament to the impact JCJC has had on so many lives over the years that, even before taking our fundraising drive public, we are more than two-thirds of the way toward reaching our goal,” said Ramagos. “I feel confident that we will accomplish our ultimate goal once the public sees how important our four initiatives are to our students and our community.”

To help start the public phase of the campaign, JCJC students Lexi Bowen, Kelby King and Shelia Strickland presented a check for $500 on behalf of the Student Government Association.

“We just wanted to thank the faculty for all the things they do for us,” explained Bowen who serves as SGA president. “It’s our way of saying we want to be a part of Jones even after we finish here.”

The “Inspiring Greatness, It Begins with Us” public campaign will include an intensive 18-month drive with the donor pledge period spread over five years.

Further details of the campaign will be emerging in the coming weeks. Information is also available on the college’s website at www.jcjc.edu/centennial.